The most anticipated ceremony in football history is going to take place once again. This evening, the 2024 Ballon d’Or will be held in Paris. The football player selected as the greatest player in the world for the previous season will get the award. Along with various other honours, the award presentation includes Women’s Ballon d’Or prizes. Vinicius Jr., a standout for Real Madrid, is now the front-runner to win the most coveted football honour.

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Why is Vinicius Jr. the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or 2024? 

Following a major part in the success of his club in both La Liga and the Champions League last season, Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior is the top candidate for the Ballon d’Or.

His last hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund confirmed his leadership even if the prize honours efforts from the previous season. Given the fact he also won the UEFA Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid.  Vinicius Jr. has been one of the top-class wingers in the football world in recent times.

Over 51 games for club and national, he scored 26 goals and dished 12 assists last season. Should he triumph, he will become just the third player since 2007, behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo , to take home the coveted accolade.

Rodri, the defensive midfielder who proved crucial for Manchester City ‘s Premier League success and Spain’s European Championship glory, seems to be his biggest rival.

Reasons why Vinicius is the favourite: 

 Vinicius Junior won both the Spanish championship and the Champions League in the 2023/24 season, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level and contribute significantly to Real Madrid’s success.He has inherited Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic number seven shirt at Real Madrid, indicating the club’s belief in his potential and talent.Vinicius Junior’s performance in important matches, such as scoring a hat-trick in a Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund, demonstrates his ability to deliver in crucial moments.The Brazilian forward’s role as a leader on and off the pitch, standing up against racism and earning global support for his actions, showcases his character and values beyond just his playing abilities.Vinicius Junior’s goals have been crucial for Real Madrid, including scoring in both the semi-final and final of the Champions League, proving his worth as a key player for the team.Many pundits and even Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti have tipped Vinicius Junior to succeed Lionel Messi in winning the Ballon d’Or, recognizing his exceptional talent and impact on the field.Despite facing challenges such as a defeat against Barcelona in the La Liga Clasico, Vinicius Junior’s consistent performance throughout the season has kept him as a strong contender for the prestigious award.His influence extends beyond just scoring goals, as Vinicius Junior has been a figurehead in the fight against racism, displaying his social awareness and responsibility as a public figure.Competing against other notable players like Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe , Vinicius Junior’s performances and achievements stand out as deserving of the Ballon d’Or recognition.Overall, Vinicius Junior’s combination of talent, achievements, leadership qualities, and impact on and off the pitch make a strong case for him to win the Ballon d’Or in 2024.  

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List Of Players Who Have Been Nominated For The Ballon D’Or 2024 

Players Nominated For Ballon D’Or 2024: Jude Bellingham (England/Real Madrid), Hakan Calhanoglou (Turkey/Inter Milan), Kylian Mbappe (France/ PSG & Real Madrid), Erling Haaland (Norway/ Manchester City ), Lamine Yamal (Spain/Barcelona), Dani Carvajal (Spain/Real Madrid), Ruben Dias (Portugal/Manchester City), Artem Dobvyk (Ukraine/Girona & AS Roma), Phil Foden (England/Manchester City), Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain/Bayer Leverkusen), Mats Hummels (Germany/Borussia Dortmund/AS Roma), Harry Kane (England/Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Germany/Real Madrid), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria/Atalanta), Emiliano Martinez (Argentina/Aston Villa), Lautaro Martinez (Argentina/Inter Milan), Martin Odegaard (Norway/Arsenal), Dani Olmo (Spain/RB Leipzig & Barcelona), Cole Palmer (England/Chelsea), Declan Rice (England/Arsenal), Rodri (Spain/Manchester City), Antonio Rudiger (Germany/Real Madrid), Bukayo Saka (England/Arsenal), William Saliba (France/Arsenal), Federico Valverde (Uruguay/Real Madrid), Vinicius Jr. (Brazil/Real Madrid), Vitinha (Portugal/PSG), Nico Williams (Spain/Athletic Bilbao), Florian Wirtz (Germany/Bayer Leverkusen), Granit Xhaka (Switzerland/Bayer Leverkusen)